Research Associate - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Job Description

The selected candidate will contribute to modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts, with emphasis on finite element methods (FEM) and atomistic modeling, and will work closely with Dr. Park to execute research milestones and document results.

• Conduct computational modeling and simulation in support of ongoing research projects
• Develop, run, and validate FEM models (e.g., structural, thermal, multiphysics as applicable)
• Perform and/or support atomistic modeling (e.g., MD/DFT-informed workflows, parameter extraction, mechanistic interpretation)
• Analyze simulation outputs, interpret results, and translate findings into actionable insights for research direction
• Prepare technical documentation (figures, summaries, methods) to support manuscripts, proposals, and presentations
• Collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers as needed (technical guidance, model handoff, reproducibility)

• B.S. in a relevant discipline (e.g., Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics) with a focus on computational modeling
• Demonstrated expertise in finite element modeling (FEM)
• Demonstrated experience in atomistic modeling (e.g., molecular dynamics, DFT)
• Strong quantitative and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently and meet research deadlines

• Proficiency with common modeling/simulation tool chains (e.g., ABAQUS/ANSYS/COMSOL or equivalent) and/or custom code development
• Experience with scripting and scientific computing (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++), version control, and reproducible workflows
  
  HPC/cluster experience and performance‑aware simulation practices
• Strong technical writing record (papers, reports, proposals)

Open Until Filled

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100‑degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs.

With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

kummer College:
Established in 2022, The Kummer College serves as a pathbreaking model for social impact, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a future‑oriented STEM‑focused university. Supported by the Kummer Institute Foundation at Missouri S&T, this unique college integrates key academic, co‑curricular, and administrative activities related to technology commercialization, business innovation and entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and economic development. Within The Kummer College lives several departments:
Department of Business and Information Technology (BIT), Department of Economics, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) and Kummer Student Programs.

College of Engineering & Computing (CEC):
Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master's and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024.

Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally…